Doctors, Nurses Shortage At Health Centre
A 30-year-old mother of Batinikama, Labasa, who did not wish to be named, took her two-year-old son for review but was told to wait by the security guard because the nurses and doctors were having lunch from 1pm to 2pm.
Sunday 26 May 2024 | 12:15
Nasea Health Centre in Labasa is facing human resource issues such as a shortage of nurses and doctors.
With the surge of influenza (flu) cases in the North, the centre resorted to deploying nurses and doctors from other facilities within the Macuata medical area.
This was confirmed by the divisional medical office (DMO) North. The confirmation follows after some patients vented their frustrations on social medial about nurses and doctors having lunch together while making them wait. Complaints included the closure time for the centre at 8pm.
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Operating hours
An email was sent to the DMO North to clarify about the centre operation hours and staffing.
In response, it stated that the opening hour of Nasea Health Centre was from 6.30am to 10pm. Moreover, it clarified that nurses are required to take breaks one after another so that services are not disrupted and not everyone is allowed to take their breaks at the same time.
A 30-year-old mother of Batinikama, Labasa, who did not wish to be named, took her two-year-old son for review but was told to wait by the security guard because the nurses and doctors were having lunch from 1pm to 2pm.
She has lodged a complaint to the DMO.DMO North said patients could lodge their complaints on telephone number 157.
Complaints
These will further be directed to the clinical governance manager Northern if there is an urgent situation or would be sorted as soon as possible from the 157 platform.
Dewan Chand of Wailevu, Labasa said when there was an influenza outbreak in Labasa; he went to the centre at 8:30pm and the gate was closed.
“The security guard told me that there were 150 patients inside the centre and advised me to go to Labasa Hospital,” Mr Chand said.
“When I went to Labasa Hospital, the security officer told me the emergency department would only see emergency cases. I was told to return to Nasea Health Centre.”
Mr Chand said he was upset with how the medical system was working and hopes the Ministry of Health and Medical Services step in, especially when there was a flu outbreak.
As for the complaint about medical professionals closing the centre’s gate to have celebration or early knock off from work, DMO office revealed that there has not been any issues reported via 157 or written/verbal. All complains would be investigated.
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